Broad-billed Hummingbird

The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a dazzling, medium-sized hummingbird of the desert Southwest and Mexico. A signature species of the Madrean sky islands and arid canyons, it is instantly recognizable by its flashes of emerald green and sapphire blue.

While most abundant in Mexico, they are highly sought-after summer visitors to the canyon networks of southern Arizona and New Mexico. Their inquisitive nature and tolerance of suburban environments make them a favorite at backyard nectar feeders, where they easily stand out due to their exceptionally bright colors and constant activity.

Key field marks differ significantly between sexes, but both feature a uniquely wide, slightly downcurved bill.

Adult Males

• Bill: Bright reddish-orange with a distinctive black tip.
• Gorget & Underparts: Rich, glittering sapphire or royal blue throat transitions into a vibrant, deep metallic green chest and belly.
• Upperparts: Iridescent emerald green back.
• Tail: Dark, blue-black, and slightly notched.

Adult Females

• Bill: Mostly blackish, but typically retains a dull reddish or orange base on the lower mandible.
• Plumage: Plain, pale-gray to medium-gray underparts (lacking the bright blue and green of the male). The back is golden-green.
• Face: A prominent, clean white stripe behind the eye (postocular stripe) bordered by a darker cheek patch.
• Tail: Dark green with dark blue subterminal bands and distinct white tips on the outer tail feathers.

Similar Species

• White-eared Hummingbird: Shares a red, black-tipped bill but has a much bolder, thick white ear-stripe, a darker face, and a green chest on the female.
• Dusky Hummingbird: Found in Mexico; far duller overall with a brownish-gray throat and less vibrant bill coloration.

Broad-billed Hummingbirds are primarily birds of arid and semi-arid lowlands. Their preferred habitats include:

• Riparian Canyons: Sycamore, cottonwood, and willow groves along canyon streams.
• Thorn Forests & Scrublands: Arid tropical scrub, mesquite bosques, and oak woodlands.
• Suburban Areas: Residential gardens and parks rich in flowering native plants or artificial feeders.

Range and Migration

Their breeding range extends from southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas down through most of western and central Mexico. Populations breeding in the northernmost parts of this range are migratory, moving south into Mexico for the winter. Central and southern Mexican populations are largely non-migratory year-round residents. They are also known for occasional wandering, with vagrants appearing along the Pacific coast and east into the Gulf States.

Flight & Feeding

Broad-billed Hummingbirds exhibit a highly active, rapid, and jerky flight style. While hovering to feed on nectar, they have a highly characteristic habit of constantly pumping their tails up and down. They feed on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers (such as agave, desert honeysuckle, and ocotillo) and actively hunt small insects like gnats and midges, capturing them mid-air via "hawking" or gleaning them from foliage.

Vocalization

This species is remarkably vocal for a hummingbird. They emit a dry, chattering call that sounds like a rapid chi-chit or tji-tji, closely resembling the scolding note of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet or the sound of two small pebbles being clicked together. This chatter is produced constantly while foraging or defending territories.

Breeding & Nesting

During the breeding season, males perform spectacular aerial courtship displays, flying in wide, looping U-shaped pendular patterns in front of a watching female. The nest is a compact, delicate cup constructed of bark strips, grasses, and plant down, bound together with spider silk. It is typically positioned fairly low to the ground (0.9 to 1.5 meters) in the fork of a drooping branch, often near water.